Naturopathy – Meaning, Principles, Types Benefits, Risks
Naturopathy
is getting popular in recent decades as it has been delivering outstanding
results where modern medicine fails. It is why Hollywood actresses like
Penelope Cruz and Sienna Miller don’t stop praising this alternative medicine
which is fast becoming a preferred choice for celebrities, common people and
those facing debilitating medical conditions. Here we are trying to understand
naturopathy which is highly effective yet not mainstream.
Meaning
and Definition – What is Naturopathy
Naturopathy
can be defined as a type of medicine that combines different therapies like
herbs, mud, massage and exercise to make body heal on its own. It also includes
nutritional counseling so that recovery can be made fast. In some cases, a
naturopathic doctor also works on the stress management of the patient.
The prime focus of Naturopathy as a system is
education and prevention of the disease.
Major
Principles of Naturopathy
Every
stream of healing depends on certain principles. Here we list major principles
of naturopathy.
Healing
on its Own
Naturopathy
firmly believes in self-healing and the treatment is focused on removing
obstacles in the path of healing. It sets a conducive environment for
recovery.
Treating
the Root Cause
Naturopathy
doesn’t believe in treating the symptoms. Instead, it focuses on treating the
issue behind it. So, this treatment is based on treating the body mind and
soul.
No
Side Effects
As
an alternative medicine, naturopathy ensures that there should be no harmful
impact or side effects while treating the patient. The focus is not to affect
your body negatively while treating.
Holistic
Healing
While
treating a patient a naturopathic doctor takes into account all the aspects of
the patient’s health. So, it’s just not focused on a particular disease but on
complete health.
Educating
the Patient
As
per naturopathy, to be healthy the patient must know how to handle this
disease. A naturopathic doctor educates a patient about the disease and offers
knowledge on self-care. We all know self-care is very important in healing.
Prevention
Prevention
is better than cure. A naturopathic doctor advises you on how to take
preventive care to treat disease better. He advises you on what to do and what
not to do so that recovery can be made faster.
Types
of Naturopathy Treatment
Naturopathy
uses several therapies that can be used in isolation or in combination to treat
a disease. Let’s have a look.
Acupressure
In
acupressure, a therapist applies pressure on certain points of body using fingers
or some blunt objects. The idea is to stimulate the self-healing abilities of
the body.
Air
Therapy
As
we said earlier, naturopathy is a combination of therapies, it also involves
air therapy. In such a therapy, air bath
is suggested to patients. It gets more effective when it is used in combination
with morning cold rub and exercise.
Chromo
Therapy
In
such a therapy, a naturopathic doctor uses the therapeutic properties of seven
colors of sunray. This treatment is given using oil and water that is put in
bottles and glasses exposed to sun rays for certain hours.
Diet
Therapy
As
per naturopathy, your diet could be a great healer. This alternative therapy
suggests that your diet must be taken fresh. There should be an emphasis on
taking fresh fruits, juices and vegetables. Such a diet improves health, heals
diseases and boosts the immune system.
Fasting Therapy
Fasting
is also an important therapy in naturopathy. During fasting, the body burns
stored fat and excretes the waste material.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy
is a form of therapy that uses water as a treating material. The treatment uses
a hot and cold bath and a sauna to get the desired effects. One of the most
popular treatments in naturopathy.
Magnet
therapy
In
this treatment, small magnets are used to treat diseases. A therapist uses
these magnets on certain points of the body as per the requirements. The
treatment gets simpler with the availability of magnetic belts.
Masso
Therapy
Masso
therapy is the process of manipulating soft tissues. This therapy has a
rejuvenating effect on the body. Masso
therapy uses several oils and herbs for best results.
Mud Therapy
Mud
therapy has a soothing effect on the body. If properly done it dilutes the
waste from the body and ultimately removes it. Mud therapy is one of the most
popular treatments in naturopathy.
Also Read
Physiotherapist – Meaning, Types and Tips to Select a Physio
Why
Naturopathy – Key Benefits
What
attracts many people worldwide toward naturopathy is its many benefits. Here we
turn the spotlight on the key advantage of naturopathy.
Prevention
of Disease
We
have discussed earlier naturopathy aims at the prevention of disease. As per
its philosophy combating the disease in its infancy is far easier than dealing
with it at an advanced stage. Apart from the prevention it also focuses on
proper nutrition so that the immune system can be given a boost.
Efficient
Cure for Certain Disease
Although
naturopathy treats a number of diseases but it has been found highly effective
in the treatment of certain diseases. Digestion issues, epilepsy, allergies,
and skin disorders can be best treated with naturopathy.
Besides,
this treatment has also been found effective in weight management, insomnia,
and anxiety issues.
A Mix of Therapies
Naturopathy
is a mix of several therapies. It curates the most efficient treatment method
for the cure of your disease. It uses herbs, exercise, food and reiki as a
treatment method.
Improves
Self Awareness
As
naturopathy aims at creating a fine balance of your emotional, physical and
spiritual wellbeing, it creates a great sense of self-awareness. Many people
who have gone through a holistic naturopathy treatment have found an improved
sense of self-awareness.
Safe
Treatment
Contrary
to other treatment streams, naturopathy has little or no side effects. It
improves the immune system to combat diseases without doing any harm to your
body.
In
such a treatment a naturopathic doctor assesses your situation and devises a
treatment methodology so that healing and restoration can be done without
making any harm to your body. The treatment often involves a combination of
therapies.
So,
if you are considering a safe and effective treatment for an underlying
disease, then naturopathy is a system worth considering.
A
Reliable Cure for Insomnia
Due
to the modern lifestyle and stress related to it, a large number of people are
facing sleep disorders and have to contact the allopathic physician who
prescribes sleeping pills. They can get relief in naturopathy which is
cost-effective, without side effects and non-habit forming.
Cost-Effectiveness
Contrary
to mainstream medicine, naturopathy is considered cost-effective. You don’t
have to go for a series of diagnostic tests, medication and surgeries that cost
a lot. With naturopathy, you can get therapy that is cost-effective and
reliable.
Non-Invasive
Treatment
One
of the most important but least discussed aspects of naturopathy is its
non-invasiveness. A naturopathic doctor assesses your situation, knows your
lifestyle and devises a treatment strategy.
Risks
Associated with Naturopathy
- Apart
from the benefits, there are some risks associated with naturopathy. Here we
list the major risks of naturopathic treatment. - Supplements
in the form of vitamins and minerals are given in naturopathy. And if you are
taking prescription medicine, these supplements may reduce the effect of these
medicines. - As
a part of detox therapy, a naturopathic doctor may suggest detox diets. But
these diets should be used only for a prescribed period. With Its regular use,
you may lose essential nutrients. - Naturopathy
treatment is considered safe but there is very little evidence of its efficacy.
- A
large number of doctors working as naturopathy practitioners don’t have proper
training. It affects the quality of treatment. - Naturopathic
treatment is not for everyone. People suffering from diabetes should be
cautious while getting naturopathic treatment as it may put a constraint on a
certain food that might be essential for you as a diabetic.
